Worker Protections

Dropped Objects Prevention

0 K+
workers injured by dropped objects every year in the U.S.
Dropped Object Prevention

Dropped Objects Prevention Buyers Guide

Dropped Objects Prevention Worker Protections

Over 45,000 workers are injured each year in the U.S. in “struck by falling object” incidents. That’s over 120 workers injured every single day. OSHA has identified falling objects as one of the “Fatal Four” leading causes of construction site fatalities, highlighting the urgency of addressing this preventable danger.

Equipment such as hard hats, netting and toe boards can help mitigate the effects of struck-by incidents, but only after an object has already fallen. To ensure Safety at Heights, a comprehensive approach, including dropped object prevention PPE, such as tool tethers and lanyards, anchor attachments, and tool bags and holsters, is necessary.

Get the Facts

692x

Impact force of a 8 pound tool dropped from 200 feet

238

Workers killed by falling objects each year in the U.S.

$319M

Annual economic impact of dropped object fatalities

Visualizing the Data

Federal Standard and Regulation

OSHA requires employers to address falling/dropped objects hazards on the job. OSHA mentions this both in General Industry (1910.23; 1910.28) and Construction (1926.451; 1926.501; 1926.759) standards. 

American National Standard

5 Facts about the Standard

ANSI/ISEA 121-2023, American National Standard for Dropped Object Prevention Solutions, establishes minimum design, performance, and labeling requirements for solutions that reduce dropped objects incidents in industrial and occupational settings. This groundbreaking standard focuses on preventative solutions actively used by workers to mitigate these hazards, and testing of these solutions.

Major Dropped Objects Equipment Categories

Tool Tethers. Lanyards or materials designed to connect tools to approved anchor points.

Tool Attachments. Attachment points designed to be field installed onto tools or equipment to provide appropriate connection points for tethering.

Anchor Attachments. Attachment points designed to be field installed on structures, equipment or workers, to provide appropriate connection points for tethering.

Containers and bags. Devices designed to carry or transport tools and equipment to and from heights.

Additional Resources

Dropped Objects Infographic

DROPS – Dropped Objects Prevention Scheme

Dropped Objects Prevention – Toolbox Talk

Dropped Object Product Group Members

Members of the ISEA Dropped Object Product Group can login to their Portal page here

Buyers Guide

Protecting Workers from Head to Toe

Our members are here to bring your workers the protection they need with the quality you expect.

Specialty Safety Products

Safety Cutting Knives

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory Protection

Protective Apparel

Protective Apparel

Hand Protection

Hand Protection

Instruments

Instruments

High-Visibility Products

High Visibility Products

Previous
Next

Search

Trending

Standards

Global PPE

Issues

We are the safety equipment industry, united in the goal of protecting workers worldwide.

Our Mission

The voice of credibility for the safety equipment industry

Members & Leadership

Learn about ISEA members, leadership and awards

Board of Trustees

Your elected officials to help guide the association

ISEA Foundation

We help develop talent and raise awareness about worker safety

Staff

Meet the team

Explore Membership

ISEA membership gives you a seat at the table, delivers powerful insights and lets you engage with peers.  

Our education & training programs improve the effectiveness of safety equipment industry professionals.

QSSP

Our education & training programs improve the effectiveness of safety equipment industry professionals.

Executive Summit

Hear progressive ideas, learn best practices, and make peer connections.

Annual Business Meeting

Collaborate on standards development and track industry & policy trends

Event Calendar

See all upcoming events

Webinar Library

Access our webinar library

We are a trusted resource for industry insights and policy, with a window to Washington

Advocacy & Issues

Gain a powerful advocate in the halls of government

Industry Impact

Measuring the impact of the safety equipment industry

Industry Intelligence

Reports and tools for ISEA members

Market Data Analysis

Benchmark market share & product growth trends

Newsroom

Access the latest safety news & insights

Buyer's Guide

Discover our buyers guide to find the right PPE for your company and people.

Learn More

Tips For Buying PPE Online

Buying PPE online? Follow our guide to ensure it’s appropriate and high quality.

Learn More